Myths and Facts About Online Classes

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Myths and Facts About Online Classes
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MYTH  Online courses are easier than
traditional, face-to-face courses.
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FACT

• Online courses are at the very least as rigorous
  as face-to-face courses. 
• Most students are actually more challenged by
  online courses because they must take charge of
  their own learning. 

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FACT

• Because students are not in the classroom with
  the instructor, there is a great deal of reading
  required. 

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FACT

• Students need to go into an online class knowing
  that the class will actually require more time
  and effort than a traditional class.

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FACT

• In order to be successful with the course
  content, all students should plan to devote at
  least 12 hours PER WEEK working on this course
  and its assignments.

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MYTH Since this class is online, regular
class activities, such as taking notes, are not
necessary.
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FACT

• As with all classes, taking notes is a part of
  the learning process.
• Students who want to be successful with the
  course concepts should take notes from their
  reading and from any instructional videos that
  may be provided.

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FACT

• Course notes should be studied regularly in
  order to move the concepts from short-term memory
  to long-term memory.
• Notes should also be studied before all major
  tests and all on-campus exams.

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MYTH Since there are no time or place limits,
all of the work can be done at one time and it is
not necessary to attend class regularly.
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FACT

• It is true that students can access online
  classes at any time and from any place where
  appropriate Internet connectivity is available. 
• However, online courses are structured and
  organized so that content is delivered on a set
  schedule to ensure active participation and
  maximum learning. 

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FACT

• Students who want to be successful with online
  courses must keep a regular schedule for each
  class and do a good job with time management. 

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FACT

• Deadlines for completing course assignments are
  posted and expected to be met.

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MYTHSince online classes are so flexible, it is
okay if a student misses an entire week or two of
class -- the assignments will still be there and
available when the student returns.
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FACT

• It is true that many people choose online
  classes because of the flexibility.
• However, deadlines are deadlines. 

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FACT

• If a student does not complete assignments by
  the posted due date, late penalties will be
  assessed.
• In addition, students who get too far behind
  schedule may be dropped from the course.

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FACT

• Working ahead is always in the best interest of
  students so that there are no issues with trying
  to submit an assignment at the very last minute.

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MYTH  Online courses are condensed, easier
versions of traditional courses.
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FACT

• Online courses cover the exact same content that
  a traditional course covers.

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MYTH   If a students computer breaks down, the
instructor will excuse them from any missed
assignments  or at least give them more time to
complete the missed assignments.
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FACT

• All students must have a back-up plan in case
  their primary computer malfunctions, they
  experience other technical issues such as
  problems with an Internet service provider, or if
  they travel during the semester. 

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FACT

• Students are expected to follow the back-up plan
  when necessary so that they may continue their
  coursework and not miss posted deadlines.

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MYTH  An online course will teach the students
everything they need to know about using the
computer for the course.
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FACT

• Students must have prior skills in
  word-processing, e-mail, Internet use and 
  research.
• Students should also be comfortable with typing
  on a keyboard.

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MYTHBecause this is an online course, students
can be invisible and remain anonymous.
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FACT

• Most online courses have required discussion
  components and these discussions count toward the
  attendance requirements and/or participation
  grade in the class.
• (Read the course syllabus for the details for
  this course.)

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FACT

• Most students enjoy getting to know their
  classmates and instructor through threaded
  discussions.
• These discussions allow for an exchange of ideas
  in which all students may openly speak up in a
  protected, non-threatening environment.

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FACT

• Inappropriate posts, or those unrelated to the
  discussion question, may be removed by the
  instructor.
• Read all discussion questions carefully and
  respond in an appropriate, timely, and thorough
  manner.

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MythIn an online class, there is no teacher or
the teacher doesnt really interact with the
students.
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FACT

• All online courses at ACC have instructors who
  log in regularly to check on assignments, read
  discussions, and check for messages from students.